Food Allergies in Pets

Food allergies can cause your pet discomfort and significantly affect its quality of life. At Lakewood Pet Vet Animal Hospital in Lakewood, CA, our veterinarians provide various treatments to offer relief and improve your pet’s overall health. You can learn more about food allergies in pets and how it is treated below:

What Are Food Allergies in Pets?

Food allergies occur when your pet's immune system incorrectly identifies a harmless food as a threat and creates antibodies against it. When your pet eats certain food, its body releases chemicals to fight off what it perceives as an intruder, which leads to serious symptoms.

The Most Common Signs of Pet Food Allergies

The most common signs of pet food allergies are itchy skin and ears, as well as excessive licking or scratching. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and ear infections. If you notice your pet displaying any of these symptoms after eating a certain food, we recommend consulting with our veterinarians.

Common Allergens in Pet Food

Pets can be allergic to any type of food, however, the most common allergens are beef, dairy, wheat, and soy. Corn and chicken are also known to commonly cause food allergies in pets.

Bloodwork to Identify Pet Allergies

Bloodwork is important when it comes to identifying food allergies in your pet. Our veterinarians can perform various tests to identify the underlying cause of your pet’s food allergy. We can measure different levels of IgE antibodies and use the results to determine the type of allergen that is causing your pet to react.

Managing Pet Food Allergies

Once the cause of your pet’s allergies has been identified, we will develop a customized treatment plan that is suited for his or her specific condition. Your treatment may include changing your pet’s diet, providing them medication to reduce itching and inflammation, or a combination of both. We will also provide advice on how to manage your pet’s diet, such as avoiding foods that cause your pet to react and reading labels carefully.

The Importance of Allergy-Friendly Pet Food

When it comes to choosing pet food, look for products that are designed specifically for pets with allergies. You will also want to purchase food that contain limited ingredients and avoid grain-free diets, as grains can be nutritious for pets with food allergies. Also, look for pet foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids or other anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Contact us for Treatment Today!

If your pet is experiencing symptoms of a food allergy, let our team at Lakewood Pet Vet Animal Hospital in Lakewood, CA, help. We will perform a thorough evaluation in order to determine an accurate diagnosis and provide the necessary treatment. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule your appointment, call our clinic at (562) 925-2300 today.